A delegation from Bansalan, Davao del Sur visited Bohol on August 20, 2026, to learn from its UNESCO Global Geopark journey as Mt. Apo seeks similar recognition.
The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the New Capitol to benchmark Bohol’s approaches to environmental protection, protected area management, and sustainable tourism.
The visit comes as Mt. Apo Natural Park undergoes UNESCO evaluation for possible designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Bansalan is among the local government units covered by the protected area and participates in its management through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB).
Vice Gov. Nick Besas welcomed the delegation and thanked them for choosing Bohol as a learning destination.
Development Communications Strategist Queenie Maria Guibao shared Bohol’s “From the Ground Up” journey toward its UNESCO Global Geopark designation, while CENRO Tagbilaran Forester Manuelito Cafe discussed the issues and challenges facing Bohol’s protected areas, including the strategies adopted for their management.
EA Romeo Teruel also shared Bohol’s experience in becoming insurgency-free, highlighting the province’s peace and development journey.
Bansalan Mayor Edwin Reyes expressed appreciation for the visit, noting the changes he observed in Bohol and thanking the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) for the opportunity to learn from the province.
A Bansalan Sangguniang Bayan member, meanwhile, commended the dedication of Bohol’s leaders in preserving nature and ancestral domains, particularly those observed during their tour.
The official also cited Bohol’s best practices and development roadmap as potential models for Bansalan, particularly in tourism.
Vice Mayor Kirby Villaraiz described the benchmarking visit as productive, citing the delegation’s learnings from Bohol.
The delegation included DILG OIC-Provincial Director Raymund Olivo, barangay captains, and Sangguniang Bayan members.
Under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, the benchmarking activity reflects the Capitol’s Strategic Change Agenda, particularly Environmental Protection and Resilience, by promoting knowledge-sharing and collaborative approaches to protected area management and sustainable development. (PIMO/JFP)
